Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 5405, Joshua Fletcher, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Fletcher Joshua
S 5405
Wife Lucy
CONTENTS
Carded
1

Massachusetts 2018
Joshua Fletcher of Worcester in the State of Mass a who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain _____ of the Reg t commanded by Col l Whiting in the Mass a line for 2 years
Increased from $66.66
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass a at the rate of 80 Dollars — Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 4 th day of Jan y 1838 and dated Wm. L. Lincoln H. of Rep.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1837 $520.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Mar '38. 40.00
$560.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by R.H. Adams Clerk Book _____ Vol. 2 d Page 26

1843 Application of John Fletcher for pension
Please to transmit the com directed to Col. Parker Ashburnham Mass.

DECLARATION, in order to secure the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
COUNTY OF WORCESTER, ss.
ON this sixteenth day of October in the year of our Lord, eighteen hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open Court, before Hon. Sath l Paine, Judge of the Court of Probate now sitting Joshua Fletcher a resident of Leicester in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged seventy five years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7th 1832.
THAT he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated.
Same time in the month of February in the year 1777 he enlisted for the term of three years and served in the Company Commanded by Captain Thomas in the Regt. commanded by Col. Marshall, in the line of the State of Massachusetts in the Continental Establishment; that he continued to serve in said Company, in the State of N. York till same time in the year 1779, when he had leave to quit the service on account of ill health, as may be seen by his furlough now on file in the Office of the Sec. of War, and that he was not able to rejoin the army till the period of his enlistment had expired; that he was at White Plains N. York when he received the furlough aforesaid;
That he obtained a pension for the services aforesaid under the act of March 18 - 1818 - as appears by his certificate annexed; and that his name was struck from the Pension List in consequence of his having too much property to be entitled to the benefit of the act aforesaid (see letter from Sec. War, annexed) That when he applied for a pension under the Law of 18 March 1818 he resided in Westford, in the County of Middlesex Mass, and that he now resides in Cromptonham Worcester ; That he is the same Joshua Fletcher, to whom the annexed certificate was granted; that in March 1829 he exhibited a schedule of his property and he believes, that all the papers relating to his case are now on file in Office of the Sec. of War. That he is acquainted with Jos. Swift and Abraham Dyer Esqrs - Rev. N. B. Spaulding & Dea. D. Jones all residing in his neighbourhood who can testify to his character for truth and their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Before Nath l Paine Judge of Probate for the County of Worcester
Joshua Fletcher

We Nathan B. Spaulding a Clergyman residing in the town of Ashburnham and Abraham Lowe residing in said Ashburnham hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Joshua Fletcher who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be seventyfive years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Before Nathl Faine Judge of Probate for the County of Worcester
Nathan B Spaulding Abraham Lowe
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above mentioned applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the court further certifies, that it appears to them that Nathan B. Spaulding who signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the Town of Ashburnham and that Abraham Lowe Esq who has also signed the same is a resident in the Town of Ashburnham and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Nathl Faine Judge of Probate For the County of Worcester
I Theophilus Wheeler Reg d , Clerk of the Court of Probate do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Joshua Fletcher for a pension.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said court this 18 th day of October in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and thirty two.
Theophilus Wheeler Reg d of the Court of Probate for the County of Worcester in Massachusetts

Joshua Fletcher
1 May 1820
Notes:
Not entitled
$422 clear of debt
Mr. Jennison Worcester, (Sep. 1819), mols

SCHEDULE.
Declaration, in order to be continued on the Pension List, under the Act of May 1st, 1820.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
County of WORCESTER, ss.
ON this fourth day of March 1829 personally appeared in open Court, being a Court of Record for the County of Worcester, Joshua Fletcher resident in said County, aged sixty eight years, who, being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following Declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the Acts of Congress, of the 18th March, 1818, and the 1st May, 1820, that he, the said Fletcher enlisted for the term of three years on the 17th day of February in the year 1779 in the State of Massachusetts in the Company commanded by Captain Thomas Marshall in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Marshall in the line of the State of Mass on the Continental establishment; that he continued to serve in said corps until sometime in 1779 when he had leave to quit the service on account of sickness, & he never got well enough to return till after the period of his enlistment had expired - he was at the time of leaving when he was allowed to leave the service as aforesaid, and was discharged from the service, in in the State of New York ; that he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension, except the present; that his name has been placed on the Pension List; that the number of his pension certificate is N. 517 , and that he never before exhibited a schedule of his property, because he supposed his property would not allow of his being restored to the pension list on account of its amount
And, in pursuance of the Act of the 1st May, 1820, I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts, or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed. That, since the 18th of March, 1818, the following changes have been made in my property:—
See Schedule (A.)
Joshua Fletcher.
Sworn to, and declared, on the fourth day of March A. D. 1829, before the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas for the
county of Worcester. Attest. Abijah Bigelow. Clerk.
I, Abijah Bigelow Clerk of the Court aforesaid, do hereby certify, that it appears, to the satisfaction of the Court, that the said Fletcher did serve in the Revolutionary War, as stated in the preceding Declaration, against the common enemy, for the term of nine months, under one engagement, on the Continental establishment. I also certify, that the foregoing oath, and the Schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the Records of the said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule is 467 dollars and 97 cents.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this ninth day of March 1829.
Abijah Bigelow Clerk of the Court aforesaid.

(A.)
The following is an inventory of the income and property of Joshua Fletcher of Ashburn in the county of Worcester and Commonwealth of Mass. as taken by us the Subscribers at his request upon oath. viz.
Real Estate.
$ 9 193.00
A lot of pasturing, & wood land containing 35 acres -
The rents & profits of 35 acres of land with buildings thereon - $18.00
The rents & profits of a piece of meadow 8.00
Personal - 1 yoke of oxen 48.00 - 2 cows 34.00 - 82.00
2 two year old heifers 14.00 - 1 calf 4.50 - 18.50
1 Horse 35.00 - 1 colt 8.00 - 5 Sheep 2.75 - 45.75
2 tons english Hay 10.00 - 2 1/2 tons mow Hay 7.50 17.50
1 old plough & harness 2.50 - 1 cart $3.00 5.50
1 one Horse waggon 10.00 - 2 pitching forks 10 10.10
2 old yokes 1.00 - 1 plow 2.50 - 2 old sythes 25 3.75
1 grindstone 1.25 - 1 clock & case 8.00 9.25
1 loom 1.00 - 2 weaving reeds 60 - 1 looking glass 50 2.10
1 bed bedstead & bedding 7.00 - 1 bed bedstead & bedding 8.00 - 15.00
1 bed bedstead & bedding 5.00 - 4 sheets 2.00 7.00
5 table cloths 2.00 - 1 webt of yarn 6.30 8.30
5 yards fulled cloth 3.75 - 1 case of drawers 3.50 7.25
1 chest with one Drawer 1.00 - 1 Table 1.50 2.50
1 light stand 20 - 1 Table 50 - 1 Trunk 50 1.20
6 chairs 1.00 - 6 chairs 48 - 1 armid chair 16 1.64
1 cheese tubb 50 - 1 wash tubb 20 - 1 churn 10 .80
3 pails 42 - 2 spinning wheels 1.50 sundry casks tubbs and boxes 1.28 - 2 cubboards 1.00 - 1 meat tubb 50 } 4.70
1 half bushel 10 - 1 copper kettle 3.50 3.60
1 dish kettle 90 - 1 pot & 2 small kettle & bake pan 1.37 2.27
2 spiders 30 - 1 tea kettle 25 - shovel & tongs 67 1.22
1 pair handirons 1.00 - flat irons & candle stick 50 1.50
Pewter ware 42 - Tin ware 75 - crockery ware 1.25 2.42
Brown earthen ware 50 - 1 sickle 17 .67
1 Lantern 12 Knives & forks & spoons 25 .37
1 great coat 1.50 - clothing 1 hat 1.50 - 1 pair boots 2.00 5.00
$452.89

  Library. $ . . 9   1 Bible and sundry other old books — — — — — 2. 00   Provision   40 lb. pork 2.80 - 10 lb. beef .50 - 5 bushels corn 3.75 7. 05   10 bushels potatoes 1.67 - 7 lb. tallow .56 — — 2. 23   20 lb. cheese .80 — — — — — . 80   2 draught chains 1.00 - 2 old saddles 1.50 — 2. 50   Sundry small articles — — — — — . 50   15. 08 
First Page      452. 89 467. 97
  Debts owing   1 Note 17. 76 - Doctor bills 10. 10 - 27. 76   To Blacksmiths — — — — — 5. 00   To Shoe makers — — — — — 5. 00   37. 76   To one note 7. 50 7. 50   45. 26   } — 45. 26   422. 71 
  Total amount of property, real & personal 467. 97   Deduct debts due from said Fletcher — 45. 26   Joshua Fletcher $ 422. 71 
Jonas Willard Enoch Whitmore } Appraisers.
State of Mass. } Worcester ss. } March 2 nd 1829 Personally appeared before me the within named Jonas Willard and Enoch Whitmore and made oath that they had performed the duty as within according to their best skill and judgment.
Geo. R. Cushing. Just. of Peace.
I Joshua Fletcher testify that the foregoing contains a true account of all property, real and personal, now belonging to me - No material changes have been made in the same since March 18. 1818

excepting in the necessary wear thereof, which has diminished the value thereof in some degree - my family consists of my wife, named Lucy, aged about forty years - and three children - the oldest of whom is about twelve years of age - The real estate before mentioned in the above schedule is all that I owned on the 18 th . March 1818.
Joshua Fletcher.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Worcester County, ss.
I, Abijah Bigelow, clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the said County of Worcester, do certify, that George R. Cushing, Esquire, herein before named, is a Justice of the peace for said County, duly qualified and authorized to administer oaths and affirmations.
In testimony whereof, the seal of said Court is hereunto affixed, this fourth day of March, Anno Domini 1829. Abijah Bigelow, Clk.

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section REL
May 9, 1930
Carlton W. Fletcher Ashburnham Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S.5405, it appears that Joshua Fletcher was born at Westford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, date not given.
While residing at Westford, Massachusetts, he enlisted in May, 1776, and served six months as a private in Captain Abisha Brown's Company, Colonel Whitney's Massachusetts Regiment.
He enlisted, date not given, and served three months as a private in Captain John Minot's Massachusetts Company.
He enlisted in February, 1777, and served as a private in Captain Philip Thomas' Company, Colonel Marshall's Massachusetts Regiment until August 29, 1778, when he was furloughed on account of sickness and returned home.
He was allowed pension on his application executed May 14, 1818, at which time he was aged fifty-seven years and rested in Westford, Massachusetts.
In 1829, he stated that his family consisted of his wife, Lucy , aged forty years, her maiden name and the date of their marriage not given, and three children, the oldest of whom was twelve years old, but did not give their names and there are no further family data.
In 1832, he was living in Ashburnham, Worcester County, Massachusetts, and then stated that he was seventy-five years of age, and in 1837, he was living in said Ashburnham

and stated that he was seventy-seven years old, no explanation given of this discrepancy in age.
Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner.

Apl-19-1901 Mary E. Fletcher Todd miss Mary E.P. Shattuck Pippewell - Mass 1930-May 8-Visit to Carlton Mr. Fletcher Oct
Rehr
5405 INVALID.
Mrs o/o
File No. 5405
Joshua Fletcher Print Rev War
Act: June 7 th 1832
Index:—Vol. M , Page 126
[Arrangement of 1870.]
✓

NA
RG  15
Fletcher, Joshua p 5405
TR 2023

Camp at White Plains August 25 th 1778.
His Excellency approves, that Joshua Fletcher, soldier in Col Tho t . Marshall's Reg t of Massachusetts Bay State shall have leave of absence untill the recovery of his Health & Spirits and then to return to His Duty.
The Baron de Kalb
m. 4.
To all concerned

Joshua Fletcher
Payments to be made at Boston Mass by the First Natl Bank Agent for paying Pension- ers, in the Agency of Mass.
Recorded by J H M c Blain Clerk, in Book D - Vol. 2 nd page 57-

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that, in conformity with the Law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Joshua Fletcher of the State of Massachusetts who was a Private in the Army of the Revolution
is entitled to receive Sixty six ————— dollars and Sixty Six cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this Fifteenth day of November one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two.
John P. Kirtland Acting Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. }
J. L. Edwards

We George Goodyear - a clergyman residing in the town of Ashburnham & Joseph Jewett - residing in the same town - hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Jonathan Fletcher who has subscribed & sworn to the foregoing de- claration - that we believe him to be seventy seven years of age - that he is respected & beloved in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution & we can concur in that opinion.
Geo: Goodyear Jos Jewett
Sworn & subscribed the fourth day of October October 1837 Before Geo. G. Perkins J. Jus. Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, March 18 th 1834.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name Joshua "Fletcher", as a private, is borne on a Muster Rolls of Capt. Abishia Brown's Company in Col. Josiah Whitney's Regt. where he is allowed from June 23 d to Novem r 1 st 1776. four Months & eight days. — Joshua Fletcher claims for further service under Capt. Brown in 1776; but the rolls he describes are not found in this Office. except those mentioned.
m d 4 = 8
Edward D. Bangs Esq.
es

Hon. Levi Lincoln Mem. Camp Washington City D.C.
Dear Mr. L. Mr. M. C. L. P.S.

Atkinsville Mass 28 Dec 1831 Hon. Levi Lincoln Jr.
You will recollect per- haps, that Mr. Joshua Fletcher, of this town, applied to you, some time last winter, to ascertain whether his Pension, under the Act of June 11 th 1831 could or could not, be increased, by proving additional service and an enrolling at the War Office you ascertained that it could be done & informed him on what terms. He wishes now to avail himself of your offer of assistance in this business. He has followed the instructions you gave as nearly as he could - The declaration & also the affidavit of Dea. Jones Shaw, Street Sol- dierly why the did not include the ser- vice for which he now claims a pension, in his original application -
Soon after receiving his first pension certifi- cate I wrote to the Commission of Pensions making the same enquiries that were made by you personally last winter, but I never rec d any answer from him - I also at that time advised him to procure Mr. Bangs certificate, & also the affidavit arranged to his papers in order to have them in readiness when I should receive instructions how to proceed - I mention this to account for some of the papers being so old -
After receiving your letter it was too late to for- ward the papers during the last session of Cong. & if they were forwarded without any to attend to them personally in behalf of Mr. F. it was un- certain whether they would be acted upon

before the Dept. instrument would become payable they have therefore been delayed till this time Mr S. wishes me to request you to have - if possible a decision of the case before March - If his per- sion is not increased I suppose the old certif- icate connected to his papers sent with this will be returned - If there is any defi- ciency in the proof or in any respect will you have the goodness to inform me - If I can do any thing more for the old gentleman I shall be glad of the opportunity for he really needs the assistance, & that is not time in all cases - he makes good use of his money when recd -
Yours &c Geo. E. Parker

Joshua Fletcher
Ashburnham.
Price
1 year & 8 months

War Department,
PENSION OFFICE,
April 30 1829
SIR,
You are hereby informed that the Secretary of War does not, on account of the amount of your property, consider you entitled to a Pension under the Acts of the 18th March, 1818, and 1st May, 1820; and has, therefore, directed your name to be stricken from the Pension List.
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. G. Edwards
To Mr. Joshua Fletcher Care of W. Jennison Esqr Worcester, Mass.

John Fletcher
Payable semi-annually. The first payment on this Certificate will be made on the 4th of September next, in Massachusetts, at the Branch Bank of the United States, Boston.
RECORDED

War Department.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I CERTIFY that, in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 18th of March, 1818, Joshua Fletcher, of Middlesex County, Mass ts late a private — — // — in the Army of the Revolution, is inscribed on the Pension List, Roll of the Massachusetts — Agency, at the rate of Eight — dollars per month, to commence on the fourteenth day of May , — one thousand eight hundred and Eighteen .
GIVEN at the War Office of the United States, this seventh — day of June , — one thousand eight hundred and nineteen.
J. L. Edwards in the absence and on behalf of the Secretary of War.

2018.
Massachusetts
Joshua Fletcher
of Worcester in the State of Mass who was a Private in the Company command by Captain [blank] of the Regt command by Col Whitney in the Mass line for 20 Mos.
Increase to $80 per Ann.
Inscribed on the Roll of [blank] at the rate of 66 Dollars 66 Cents per annu to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15 th day of Oct 1832 and sent J Folsom of Worcester non present
Arrears to 4th of Sep 1832 $99.99 Semi-ann. allowance ending 4 Mar 33. 33.33
$133.33
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by J H P Blair Clerk Book 9 - Vol. 27 - Page 57.

Ms 517 R Massachusetts.
Joshua Fletcher,
of Middlesex 4 C. in the state of Mass ts . who was a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Whitney & Marshall of the Massach ts . line, for the term of one year, eight months.
scribed on the Roll of Massachusetts, at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 14. of May, 1818.
Certificate of Pension issued the 7. of June, 1819. and sent to Samuel Dana, judex, Groton, Middlesex Co: Mass ts .
Arrears to 4th of March, 1819. . . 77.68.
Semi-ann. all'ce ending 4. Sept: 48. . .
9 mo s  \frac{22}{31} } 1819. } $: 125.68.
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
$422 c.o.d.
Discontinued.
Notified from Sec. to W. Jennings, Worcester Mass. 30 April 1819.

U. S. Pension Office.
Joshua Fletcher - D. Ash- burnham. May 14 th 1818 - aged 57 years -
Alleged - First entered service for Seven months in Capt. Abisha Brown's Co. of Col. Whitney's Regt. of Mass. forces, & Served at - Nantasket Island in the harbor of Boston to the end of his term -
"He next served at Boston three months under Capt. Jno. Minot -"
He next entered the army in the Continental Estab- lishment & was mustered at Boston - & proceeded in Capt. Philip Thomas' Co. of Col. Marshall's Regt. of Mass. line to Tienderoga - & was at Ft. Miller - Saratoga - Valley Forge - & White Plains. He served one year & eight mos. when he was taken sick with a fever & a sore on his breast & was furloughed until he should recover - He did not recover until after close of war & was never able to rejoin the army - The following is a copy of the leave granted.
"Camp at White Plains, August 29 th 1778. His Excellency approves that Joshua Fletcher, soldier in Col. Thos. Marshall's Regt. of Massachu- setts Bay State, shall have
(13979-200,000.)

leave of absence until the recovery of his health + spirits and then to resume his duty - "
"The Baron de Kalb" M. G. L.
"To all concerned."
In a later application he says that he enlisted in the Continental service in Feb'y 1777 for three years -
On March 2 nd 1829 he alleges that his family then consisted of his wife, Lucy, aged about 40 yrs. + three children, the eldest of whom was then about 12 yrs old -
In a statement dated June 1 st 1837, he alleges that he was born at Westford, but had resided at Ashburnham for 18 years - and
Silas Proctor testified that he served with said Fletcher in Capt. Brown's Co. of Col. Col. Whitney's Regt. for six mos. in 1776 -
The Sec'y of State of Mass. reported that Fletcher served in Brown's Co. from June 23 rd 15 Nov. 1 st 1776 - 4 mos. & 8 days.
April 7 th 1885 - Copy of data furnished to Ezra G. Stearns Esq. of Ashburnham - Mass for historical use.

Paperell Massachusetts.
April 11. 1901
To Some Person in the Pension Department.
Dear Sir;
An old woman, one whose father was a Revolutionary soldier, wishes very much to be a Daughter of the American Revo- lution. She wrote to me about it telling her story very clearly for so old a person.
I found every statement corr- ect but one additional statement

at the end of his record as given in "Soldiers and Sailors of Massachusetts in the Revolution" Joshua Fletcher of Westford was, according to that record a deserter. I wrote to the old lady telling her what I found. She replied that she never heard that said about her father, then she writes as follows. "He first was pensioned under the first act to pension the soldiers of the war in 1818 to 1820. I do not remember the year as I was very young." I recollect his going to Boston to get his pension. It was

found necessary to curtail. Somewhere there were so many to pension and his pension was stopped about 1821.
He made application again in 1832 or 1833 which was granted and he drew $66. per year from that time till his death April 4, 1843. I have none of his papers. They were destroyed, I suppose.
Can you verify her statement?
Her father would not have been a deserter if he drew a pension. could he?
If you can find her father's record as a soldier of the

Revolution drawing pension. Will you write to me stating the cost of a document that will make it clear that he served his country honorably and draw his pension. and I will forward the necessary money.
I do not know the old lady. but I want her to have the comfort of being a D.A.R. and having the gold spoon. She is entirely deaf and so lame she cannot walk so she writes to me. She is so blessed. She came here to read. and now she has found some one to help her be a D.A.R. She is still happy. She says

Her name is . . . . .
(Mrs) Mary E. Fletcher Todd
Her father's name
Joshua Fletcher of Westford Mass. Entered service in 1776 in Capt Browns Co. Col Whitney's regt. 2 d in Capt. John Minots Co.
In February 1777 he entered the Continental Army for three years Capt Philip Thomas Co. Col Marshall's regt. of Massachusetts line.
After a year and a half he was sent home ill and did not return in season to rejoin the army.

Baron de Kalb granted the loan of absence.
Hoping for a favorable reply. I am.
Yours very truly
(Miss) Mary L.P. Shattuck Pepperell. Mass P.O. Box 31-
Dr. J. B. H.

I
Ashburnham Mass.
March. 5. 1930.
Commissioner of Pensions.
Washington D. C.
Dear Sir:—
Would it be possible for you to furnish me with the Revolutionary War Records of our John Winter , of Ashburnham, Mass., also of our Joshua Fletcher , who served to the credit of Westford or Westfield Mass, in the Revolutionary War, the latter died in Ashburnham. Any information you can give me concerning the Military Records of these

II
even, will be greatly appreciated by.
Yours Respectfully.
Carlton W. Fletcher.
Vice Commander.
Asheville Post #1429. L.
Asheville,
Mass.

Nashburnham May 29 th 1837
I Daniel Jones of lawfull age depose and say that when Mr Joshua Stetson made application for his pension he stated that he enlisted in the United States service and served six months and then enlisted for three years and served two years and a half but he could not obtain any evidence of the first six months service without sending into a neighbouring state the distance of about a hundred miles he was asked if he was certain that he was in the service more than two years the last term and he said he was positive he was he was told that two years was sufficient and he did not attempt to prove the other term but when he received his certificate he found he was under a mistake for from the date of his enlistment to the date of his furlough on which he left the service made less than two years he then sent and obtained evidence of the first term which he now presents — I am fully acquainted with all the circumstances and know the above to be a true statement
Daniel Jones
Worcester ss May 29 1837 Then the above named Daniel Jones appeared and made oath to the truth of the above statement by him subscribed
Before me Jos. Jewett Jr of the Peace and I further certify that I am well acquainted with said Jones & that he is in my opinion a disinterested highly credible witness
Jos. Jewett Jr of the Peace

Joshua Fletcher
Jan 2 nd 1777 dis ch Aug 28 1778
12 6/10 11 6/10
on rolls of Marshall's reg. (no date of discharge) 1 yr. 8 mo.
The judge's certificate as to indigence wanted.
Adm l H

To the Honorable JOHN C. CALHOUN, Secretary of the Department of War of the United States.
I, the undersigned Samuel Dana , Chief Justice of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Middle Circuit, (comprehending the Counties of Essex and Middlesex) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being a Court of Record, duly established by Law, Do hereby certify, That on the fourteenth day of May in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen Personally appeared Joshua Fletcher and made and subscribed the declaration which is hereunto annexed. And at the same time he exhibited to me a certain Paper dated, Camp at Whiteplains August 29. 1778, and subscribed "Baron de Kalb,"
from which it appears to me, that the said Joshua Fletcher did serve in the War of the REVOLUTION, against the common Enemy, upwards of nine months.
Wherefore, in pursuance of the directions of an Act of Congress, made and passed the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, entitled, "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," I have transmitted the said Declaration to the Document aforesaid to you the said Secretary, that such further proceedings may be had in the premises, as the said Act may require.
In testimony of all which, I have caused the Seal of said Court to be hereunto affixed.
Given under my hand within the said Circuit, the fourteenth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen . Sam d Dana
I Samuel Dana Chief Justice as aforesaid - Do further certify that the above named Joshua Fletcher is a person in indigent circumstances, entitled to assistance from his Country under the Act aforesaid. — Sam d Dana

Q. 29.50 Pill.
Hon. L. Lincoln H.R.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Worcester, ss.
Probate Office October 11. 1837.
I, Charles G. Prentiss, Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Worcester, do hereby certify, that Ira Benton is the Judge of Probate, and George G. Parker and Joseph Jewett are Justices of the Peace, within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified and that their several names to the papers hereto annexed are their own genuine signatures.
In testimony whereof I do hereunto set my hand, and the seal of said Court of Probate the day and year above written.
Chas. G. Prentiss, Register.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Worcester ss.
I, Charles G. Prentiss, Register of the Court of Probate, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the supplementary application of Joshua Fletcher for an increase of his Pension.
In testimony whereof I do hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court this eleventh day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven.
Chas. G. Prentiss, Register.

Mr. Joshua Fletcher
Oxfordshire
U.S.
London S. W.C. } } 1894
1894

I Silas Proctor of Mount Holly of lawful age being duly sworn do depose testify and say that in the year 1776 Joshua Fletcher then of Westford in the county of Middlesex and State of Massachusetts Enlisted and served six months as a private soldier at New Market under Capt Brown and in his company and Col Whitney's Regiment And further I say not
Silas Proctor
State of Vermont } ss. Mount Holly in said county Rutland County } this 12th day of April AD 1833 then personally appeared the above named Silas Proctor and after being carefully examined and duly cautioned made solemn oath that the deposition by him subscribed is the truth and nothing but the truth Before me Mervill Johnson Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that the above deponent is a credible witness M Johnson Justice of the Peace
State of Vermont, } Rutland County, } ss
I Robert Pierpont Clerk of the County Court for the County of Rutland certify that Mervill Johnson is a Justice of the peace for said County duly commissioned and that I believe the above signature to be his hand writing
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Rutland this 12th day of April AD 1833 R Pierpont

Declaration in order to secure the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Worcester ss.
On this first day of June in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred thirty seven personally appeared in open court before Hon. John Barton Judge of the Court of Probate now sitting - Joshua Fletcher - a resident of Ashburnham in the County of Worcester Commonwealth of Massachusetts - aged Twenty seven years - who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 -
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers and served as herein stated -
1st. That in the year 1832 - he applied for a pension under the act of June 7 th 1832 - in his declaration he stated that he enlisted into the Company commanded by Capt. Thomas in Col. Marshalls Regt. for the term of three years or that after serving in said Company two years and half he was released on furlough & did not again join his Company - In said declaration he referred to his furlough then & now on file in the War Office - for the truth of his statement - That under said application he recd a pension certificate for twenty nine dollars - That as he supposes being all the service that was proved by the papers on file in the War Office - That when he made said statement

he readily believed it to be true & the only reason that the additional service herein after named was not then provided was because he was told that two years service was sufficient to entitle him to a full pension & that very additional evidence was unnecessary -
The Applicant now states that he did serve in the Army of the Reunion between the Southern Union of 1864 & 1865 - That this service was performed in Capt. Brown's Company of Col. Whitworth's Regt. That he enlisted at Westport Miss. in May 1876 & served at the garrison at Montpelier Island - That Silas Proctor when affidavit is here to annexed was a suit in said company - That there was one Regt. stationed on said Island & they were employed in the service as a guard &c.
That he was born at said Westport - That he has resided in said Abbeville since said time & that he is acquainted with Jos. Jewett Esq. M.D. Pierre Esq. Col. C. Banta Rev. Geo. Goodyear all living in neighborhood who can attest to his character for truth & as to their belief of his service
as a soldier in the Army of the Reunion - He hereby re-
linguishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the amount of $1000.00 that his name is not on the pension roll of any other war except as by the official records of the War Department the date of his discharge from the service of the War Department.
Before me John B. Ballou  Under Secretary of War  for the Army of the Reunion  for the

And the said Court hereby declare their opinion, after investigation of the matter & after putting the interrogatories, presented by the War Department that the above mentioned applicant was a Re- -volutionary soldier & served as he states And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Geo. Goodyear who has signed the attached annexed certificate is a Clergyman resident in the town of Ashburn- ham & that Geo. G. Parker who has signed the same is resident in said Ashburnham is a credible person & that their statement is entitled to credit -
Wm. Brown Judge of Prob- ate for County of Wor- cester
Worcester Jn. Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
I Theophilus Wheeler - Reg. or Clerk of the Court of Probate do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the applica- tion of Joshua Fletcher for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this day of in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred Thirty Seven

Joshua Fletcher

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Be it remembered, that on the fourteenth day of May in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight hundred and Eighteen, before me Samuel Dana Chief justice of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the Middle Circuit comprehending the Counties of Essex and Middlesex in the Commonwealth aforesaid. Comes, Joshua Fletcher of Westford in said County of Middlesex, and on Oath declares, that he served in the war of the revolution against the Common Enemy for the space of two years and six months.
That he first entered the service for seven months, in the Company of Capt. Alpheus Brown in Col. Whitney's Regiment of Massachusetts and served at Nantasket Island in the harbor of Boston to the end of his term the next served at Boston three months under Capt. John Hunt in Col. Fletcher's Regiment and was regularly discharged.
He then entered the Army upon the Continental establishment was mustered at Boston, and from thence he proceeded in Capt. Philip Thomas, Company in Col. Marshall's Regiment in the Massachusetts line to Tienderoga, and near Fort Miller, Saratoga Valley Forge in Pennsylvania, and at White Plains in New York having served on Continental establishment one year and eight months he was taken sick with a fever, and a sore on his breast, which rendered him unfit for duty and he received a furlough at White Plains on the 29 th of August 1778 which was continued until his health should be restored but the sore upon his Breast increased and continued until the Peace of 1783, so that he never was able to join the Army again. He is now fifty seven years of age has a little Estate left, but is not able to perform much labor his property is not equal to any thing like a support, and by reason of his reduced circumstances in life he stands in need of assistance from his family for support.
Joshua Fletcher
Thus made taken, subscribed and sworn too at Boston in said County of Middlesex the day and year aforesaid.
Sam. Dana

To whom it may concern We the subscribers selectmen and overseers of the Poor for the town of Westford in Mass. do certify that Joshua Fletcher who (it is said) was a soldier in the army of the Revolution is now a poor person in indigent circumstances
Westford May 5. 1819.
Sam l Wright Jr. Isaac Goodhue Thomas Fletcher